AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionAuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1M
The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
A Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. pocket watch and Battin & Co. pencil case, both belonging to Titanic victim John Jacob Astor IV, achieved a combined total of $1.2 million at Freeman’s Watches sale in Chicago on Wednesday.
Chicago—Two engraved gold accessories belonging to John Jacob Astor IV, an American business mogul who perished in the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, found buyers at a Freeman’s Watches auction held Wednesday in Chicago.
Astor’s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. pocket watch, made in 18-karat gold, sold to an Irish businessman for $1 million, well above its pre-sale estimate of $300,000 to $500,000.
The other item, a 14-karat yellow gold, diamond, and sapphire pencil case by Battin & Co., garnered $204,800, more than 10 times its high-end estimate of $20,000.
The businessman who ultimately ended up with the pocket watch was bidding via phone, while the pencil case went to an online bidder, who had bid for—but lost out on—the watch, according to WBEZ Chicago.
“These results show a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship, and human narrative,” Reginald Brack, senior vice president and head of the watches department at Freeman’s, said in the news release about the sale.
“It is uncommon to find property that unites four significant names—John Jacob Astor IV, the RMS Titanic, Tiffany & Co., and Patek Philippe. Each has its own legacy, but together they tell a unique and moving story. The market’s response confirms these objects’ emotional and historical significance to collectors worldwide.”
Both the pocket watch and the pencil case were recovered from Astor’s body days after the sinking.
Astor, thought to be the wealthiest and most famous passenger aboard the Titanic, is remembered for helping his then-pregnant wife, Madeleine Astor, onto a lifeboat the night of the wreck, ensuring her safety before remaining on deck.
The heartfelt interaction is “emblematic of the human stories behind the disaster,” Freeman’s said, and the objects he carried in his final hours serve as tangible witnesses to that history.
Related stories will be right here …
Astor’s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. pocket watch, made in 18-karat gold, sold to an Irish businessman for $1 million, well above its pre-sale estimate of $300,000 to $500,000.
The other item, a 14-karat yellow gold, diamond, and sapphire pencil case by Battin & Co., garnered $204,800, more than 10 times its high-end estimate of $20,000.
The businessman who ultimately ended up with the pocket watch was bidding via phone, while the pencil case went to an online bidder, who had bid for—but lost out on—the watch, according to WBEZ Chicago.
“These results show a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship, and human narrative,” Reginald Brack, senior vice president and head of the watches department at Freeman’s, said in the news release about the sale.
“It is uncommon to find property that unites four significant names—John Jacob Astor IV, the RMS Titanic, Tiffany & Co., and Patek Philippe. Each has its own legacy, but together they tell a unique and moving story. The market’s response confirms these objects’ emotional and historical significance to collectors worldwide.”
Both the pocket watch and the pencil case were recovered from Astor’s body days after the sinking.
Astor, thought to be the wealthiest and most famous passenger aboard the Titanic, is remembered for helping his then-pregnant wife, Madeleine Astor, onto a lifeboat the night of the wreck, ensuring her safety before remaining on deck.
The heartfelt interaction is “emblematic of the human stories behind the disaster,” Freeman’s said, and the objects he carried in his final hours serve as tangible witnesses to that history.
Following the sinking of the Titanic, the pocket watch and pencil case remained in the Astor family for decades.
One of John Jacob Astor IV’s sons, Vincent Astor, passed them down to his third wife Brooke Astor, who left them to her son from another marriage, Anthony Kuser.
Kuser left them to his wife Charlene Marshall, who died in 2024 at age 79.
The set entered the market from her estate, accompanied by archival documentation from Patek Philippe.
The watch and pencil stand as both “a masterwork of horology and a poignant relic of one of the 20th century’s defining tragedies,” Freeman’s said.
Freeman’s said its Watches auction saw “robust” international participation, with 28 percent of participating buyers new to the auction house.
In total, the sale garnered $1.8 million, with a sell-through rate by value of 132 percent, underscoring the “enduring market strength for rare watches of historic significance,” the auction house said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
